History of the Altar

The altar is a prominent feature throughout the Bible, serving as a sacred space for worship, sacrifice, and communion with God. Its evolution from the Old Testament to the New Testament reveals its profound significance in the spiritual lives of God's people. Today, the altar continues to play a crucial role in church practices, especially in prayer and worship. Let’s explore the biblical history of the altar and how it can be used effectively in contemporary Christian worship.

Biblical History of the Altar

1. Early Altars and Patriarchs:
   • Noah: After the flood, Noah built an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings, which pleased God (Genesis 8:20-21).
   • Abraham: Abraham built several altars during his journeys, including the one at Bethel where he called on the name of the Lord (Genesis 12:7-8). His most significant altar was on Mount Moriah, where God tested him to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22:9).
2. Mosaic Covenant and the Tabernacle:
   • The Bronze Altar: In the wilderness, God instructed Moses to build a portable tabernacle with a bronze altar for burnt offerings (Exodus 27:1-8). This altar was a key element in Israel's worship and atonement practices.
   • The Golden Altar of Incense: Inside the Tabernacle, there was a golden altar for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the Israelites ascending to God (Exodus 30:1-10).
3. Solomon’s Temple:
   • The Temple Altar: Solomon built a magnificent temple in Jerusalem, which included a grand altar for sacrifices. This altar became the center of Israelite worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people (1 Kings 8:22-64).
4. Post-Exilic Period:
   • Rebuilding the Altar: After the Babylonian exile, the returning Jews, led by Zerubbabel, rebuilt the altar on its ancient foundations to restore proper worship (Ezra 3:2-3).
5. New Testament Significance:
   • Jesus Christ as the Ultimate Sacrifice: In the New Testament, the altar takes on new meaning with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His crucifixion is viewed as the ultimate altar, where the perfect sacrifice was made for the sins of humanity (Hebrews 13:10-12).
   • Christian Worship: Early Christians celebrated the Lord’s Supper at simple altars in their homes, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice and presence among them.

Using the Altar in Prayer Today
The altar remains a vital part of Christian worship and prayer. Although we no longer make sacrifices at the altar, we still can symbolically sacrifice our flesh and lay down our worries. Here are some ways it can be used effectively in our church today:

1. Personal prayer and Reflection:
   • Quiet Time: Individuals can approach the altar during times of personal prayer or, using it as a focal point for meditation and reflection. This can be particularly powerful during times when the church is open for corporate prayer and worship on a Sunday morning.
   • Kneeling and Submission: Kneeling at the altar can symbolize submission and humility before God, creating a physical expression of spiritual surrender. If you can’t kneel, then sit or pull up a chair. There is no one way to pray at the altar.
2. Corporate Prayer and Worship:
   • Communal Prayers: During worship services, the altar can serve as a gathering place for communal prayers. Congregants are encouraged to come forward to pray together, seeking unity and collective strength in their petitions.
   • Special Services: The altar can be central to special prayer services, such as prayer vigils and intercessory prayers, where the congregation seeks God's intervention and blessings.
3. Sacramental Celebrations:
   • Communion: The altar is the focal point for the celebration of community, where believers remember Christ's sacrifice and partake in Christ's body and blood. Communion reaffirms the altar’s significance as a place of divine encounter.
   • Other Traditions: The altar is also used for other traditions like weddings, where vows are made before God, and ordinations, where individuals are consecrated for ministry.
4. Symbolic Acts:
   • Offering Prayers: Writing prayers on slips of paper and placing them on the altar can be a tangible way of presenting requests to God. Lighting candles at the altar can also symbolize prayers and intentions lifted to heaven.
   • Acts of Thanksgiving: Bringing offerings of gratitude and placing them at the altar can be a powerful expression of thanksgiving and acknowledgment of God's blessings.

The altar has a rich and profound history in the Bible, serving as a place of sacrifice, worship, and divine encounter. Today's church remains a central and sacred space for prayer and spiritual practices. Whether through personal reflection, communal worship, or sacramental celebrations, the altar remains vital in fostering a deeper connection with God. By approaching the altar with reverence and faith, believers can experience a meaningful and transformative prayer life, continuing the ancient tradition of seeking God's presence and favor. Would you join me at the altar?